Dismiss what insults your soul

This weekend the double loss of Bernie Mac and Issac Hayes really shook me. It made me sad that both of these men who are actively creative forces had to pass away in an untimely fashion. My prayers are with both of their families right now.

Sunday, I had a great day with my family. When I got home with a bag full of goodies for me, I noticed a note for me from a family member. She gave me a lovely card with a note written in it. What she wrote was basically her concerns about my life right now. She just wants me to have a safe life. I got depressed.

Being an artist is never about being safe. Most of the time it is flying without a net. If your not an artist, you don't understand that. I guess from outside eyes we look like we are drifting or out of step with the world. What I came to late last night. I have to accept that people can support my choices as an actor but there is only so much they can understand. I have always known this. Last night, it got driven home.

I was listening to an inspiration podcast to get me back on track. The guest quoted the poet Walt Whitman. I let it marinate in my mind. I wanted to share this with all of you. Just keep building on your dreams despite what people say around you. If you don't believe me, then listen to Walt. Remember dismiss what insults your soul!!!

“This is what you shall do: love the earth and sun, and animals, despise riches, give alms to every one that asks, stand up for the stupid and crazy, devote your income and labor to others, hate tyrants, argue not concerning God, have patience and indulgence towards the people, take off your hat to nothing known or unknown, or to any man or number of men; go freely with the powerful uneducated persons, and with the young, and mothers, of families: read these leaves in the open air every season of every year of your life: re-examine all you have been told at school or church, or in any books, and dismiss whatever insults your soul.”